U.S. patent application number 15/943606 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for magnetic cleat for accessory bar.
The applicant listed for this patent is Spectrum Brands, Inc.. Invention is credited to Roberto Garcia, Jan Van Leyen.
Application Number | 20180283428 15/943606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63672519 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180283428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garcia; Roberto ; et
al. |
October 4, 2018 |
Magnetic Cleat for Accessory Bar
Abstract
A first bracket is attached to a wall forming an anchoring point
for an accessory hub. The accessory hub is attached to a second
bracket that mates to the first bracket. Once properly mated
together, the first bracket and second bracket may not be separated
by a downward force. As a result, any accessory device attached to
the accessory hub is properly secured to the wall. The accessory
hub may also be attached to the first bracket and detached without
the use of tools or intricate fasteners thereby facilitating simple
removal at a later date.
Inventors: |
Garcia; Roberto; (Buena
Park, CA) ; Van Leyen; Jan; (Irvine, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spectrum Brands, Inc. |
Middleton |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63672519 |
Appl. No.: |
15/943606 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62480872 |
Apr 3, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 9/02 20130101; A47K
2201/02 20130101; A47K 17/00 20130101; F16B 1/00 20130101; F16M
13/02 20130101; F16B 2001/0035 20130101; F16B 5/07 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16B 9/02 20060101
F16B009/02; F16M 13/02 20060101 F16M013/02; F16B 1/00 20060101
F16B001/00; A47K 17/00 20060101 A47K017/00 |
Claims
1. An accessory mounting bracket comprising: a first bracket with a
first base configured for attachment to a structure; opposing
sidewalls extending from the first base; a sloped surface extending
from the base between the opposing sidewalls of the first bracket;
a first cavity formed between the opposing sidewalls of the first
bracket; a magnet within the first cavity; a second bracket with a
second base configured for attachment to an accessory; opposing
second sidewalls extending from the second base; a sloped surface
extending from the second base between the opposing sidewalls of
the second base; a second cavity formed between the second
sidewalls of the second bracket; a magnet within the second cavity;
and wherein an angle of the first sloped surface to the first base
is the same as the angle of the second sloped surface to the second
base such that the sloped surfaces nest with each other aligning
the bases in parallel.
2. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the
magnet within the first cavity is attracted to the magnet within
the second cavity such that the first sloped surface is attracted
to and retained against the second sloped surface when in proximity
to one another.
3. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein
magnet within the first cavity is between the opposing sidewalls of
the first base.
4. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein
magnet within the second cavity is between the opposing sidewalls
of the second base.
5. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the
accessory extends perpendicularly from the structure when the first
bracket is secured to the structure and the second bracket is
attached to the accessory and nested with the first bracket.
6. An accessory mounting bracket comprising: a first bracket with a
planar base configured for attachment against a vertical surface of
a structure; a first sloped surface extending from the planar base
configured to form a first cavity between the vertical surface of
the structure and the first sloped surface, and wherein an acute
angle is formed between the structure and the first sloped surface;
a second bracket with a second planar base configured for
attachment to an accessory; a second sloped surface extending from
the second planar base configured to form a second cavity between
the accessory and the second sloped surface, and wherein an acute
angle is formed between the accessory and the second sloped
surface; and a magnet within the first cavity and within the second
cavity configured to attract one another when the first sloped
surface is within the second cavity and the second sloped surface
is within the first cavity such that the accessory is positively
retained to and perpendicular from the vertical surface of the
structure.
7. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 6, wherein the
acute angle of the first sloped surface is an inverted copy of the
acute angle of the second sloped surface.
8. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 6, further
comprising: a recess in the accessory configured to receive the
second bracket; a selector on the accessory configured to disengage
first bracket from the second bracket when manually engaged.
9. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 6, wherein the
accessory is configured for attachment to any one of a towel bar, a
tissue holder, a towel ring, a soap dish, a robe hook, and a
tumbler holder.
10. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 6, wherein
the second bracket is removably attached to the accessory with
fasteners.
11. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 6, wherein
the second bracket is integrally formed with the accessory.
12. An accessory mounting bracket comprising: a first bracket with
a planar base configured for attachment against a structure; a
first sloped surface extending from the planar base configured to
form a first cavity and an acute angle between the planar base and
the first sloped surface; an accessory with a second sloped surface
forming a second cavity and an acute angle between the accessory
and the second sloped surface; and a magnet within the first cavity
and within the second cavity configured to attract one another when
the first sloped surface is within the second cavity and the second
sloped surface is within the first cavity such that the accessory
is positively retained to and perpendicular from the structure.
13. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein
the acute angle of the first sloped surface is an inverted copy of
the acute angle of the second sloped surface.
14. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 12, further
comprising a selector on the accessory configured to disengage
first bracket from the second bracket when manually engaged.
15. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein
the accessory is configured for attachment to any one of a towel
bar, a tissue holder, a towel ring, a soap dish, a robe hook, and a
tumbler holder.
16. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein
the magnet within the first cavity is attracted to the magnet
within the second cavity such that the first sloped surface is
attracted to and retained against the second sloped surface when in
proximity to one another.
17. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein
magnet within the first cavity is between opposing sidewalls of the
first base.
18. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 17, wherein
magnet within the second cavity is between opposing sidewalls of
the accessory.
19. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein
the first sloped surface abutted against the second sloped surface
prevents downward motion of the accessory and the magnets limit
upward motion of the accessory.
20. The accessory mounting bracket according to claim 18, wherein
the opposing sidewalls of the first base prevent horizontal motion
of the accessory.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/480,872 filed on Apr. 3, 2017, the entire
contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to the field of attachment devices.
More specifically, this invention relates to the field of bathroom
accessory attachment devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bathroom accessories are commonly attached to bathroom
walls. These accessories include towel bars, towel rings, soap
dishes, tumbler holders, and robe hooks. Many of these accessories
incorporate hidden fasteners to avoid detraction from the aesthetic
appearance of the accessory. In an attempt to conceal the fastener,
many accessory designs are difficult to install. Small screws with
limited access are often frustrating for an average homeowner.
[0004] Additionally, as styles change, many homeowners desire
updated looks to their bathrooms. When changing the accessory it is
often difficult to remove the old accessory without damaging the
fasteners or surrounding wall area. Often times the old fasteners
have enlarged the wall opening such that it is difficult to
securely fix a new accessory in the same location.
[0005] What is therefore needed is an accessory mounting device
that is easily secured to the wall. What is also needed is an
accessory mounting device that is easily attached to the accessory.
Finally, what is needed is an accessory mounting device that allows
for simple removal of an attached accessory.
SUMMARY AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A mounting bracket is configured to mount an accessory to a
wall with a first bracket. The first bracket has a planar base
configured for attachment against a vertical surface of a
structure, such as the wall of a bathroom. A first sloped surface
extends from the planar base of the first bracket forming a first
cavity between the wall and the first sloped surface. An acute
angle is also formed between the wall and the first sloped
surface.
[0007] A second bracket is attached to an accessory and is
configured to engage with and attach the accessory to the first
bracket. The second bracket may also be an integral component of
the accessory. The second bracket is similar to the first bracket.
The second bracket includes a second planar base that attaches to
the accessory. A second sloped surface extends from the second
planar base forming a second cavity between the accessory and the
second sloped surface. An acute angle is formed between the
accessory and the second sloped surface.
[0008] A magnet within both the first cavity and the second cavity
attracts each bracket to one another. When the first sloped surface
is within the second cavity and the second sloped surface is within
the first cavity the accessory is positively retained to the first
bracket, thereby attaching the accessory perpendicularly to the
wall. A selector may be used on the accessory that disengages the
first bracket from the second bracket when manually engaged.
[0009] Further, the accessory can be in the form of a towel bar, a
tissue holder, a towel ring, a soap dish, a robe hook, and a
tumbler holder. Alternatively, the accessory can be a hum that
attaches to any one of the aforementioned accessories.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present disclosure will be described hereafter with
reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting
examples only, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a raised, perspective view of the first bracket,
according to one aspect of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a raised, perspective view of the second bracket,
according to another aspect of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a raised, perspective view of an accessory hub
attached to a wall using the first and second brackets of FIGS. 1
and 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the accessory hub of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the accessory hub along
section line AA shown in FIG. 4; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the accessory hub along
section line CC shown in FIG. 4;
[0017] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a first bracket 10 that is designed to be
secured to a wall. Fasteners (not shown) may be inserted through
fastener holes 28. A counterbore 14 allows the fastener head to sit
within the surface of the first base 26 thereby providing a flush
surface. The fastener holes 28 allow the first bracket 10 to be
secured to a wall with the first cavity 22 in the vertical
orientation. The first cavity 22 includes a sloped surface 20 that
projects away from the first base 26. A sidewall 24 and an opposing
sidewall 12 define the length of the first cavity 22. Each sidewall
24, 12 extends vertically past the sloped surface 20 further
defining the first cavity 22.
[0019] A ledge 18 extends perpendicularly from the first base 26 at
the center of the sloped surface 20. The ledge 18 includes a magnet
30 that may be inserted or integrated into the ledge 18. A divot 16
in the first base 26 allows the magnet 30 to be inserted into the
ledge 18 from the opposing side of the ledge 18. The divot 16 is
shaped such that the magnet 30 will not protrude into the first
cavity 22.
[0020] The first bracket 10 is designed to mate with a second
bracket 32 as shown in FIG. 2. The second bracket 32 is similarly
shaped as the first bracket 10 and is designed to be attached to an
accessory (such as a towel bar). Fasteners (not shown) may be
inserted through fastener holes 48. A counterbore 33 allows the
fastener head to sit within the surface of the second base 38
thereby providing a flush surface. The fastener holes 48 allow the
second bracket 32 to be secured to the accessory with the second
cavity 42 in the vertical orientation, but inverted and opposing
the orientation of the first cavity 22 of the first bracket 10. The
second cavity 42 includes a sloped surface 46 that projects away
from the second base 38. A sidewall 44 and an opposing sidewall 36
define the length of the second cavity 42. The second bracket 32 is
formed with sidewalls 44, 36 that do not extend past the sloped
surface 34. As a result, the sidewalls 44, 36 of the second bracket
32 are triangularly shaped to match the sloped surface 46, unlike
the sidewalls 24, 12 of the first bracket 10 which are rectangular
in shaped. This unique configuration of the sidewalls 44, 36 allows
the sloped surface 46 to nest within the first cavity 22 of the
first bracket 10.
[0021] A ledge 19 extends perpendicularly from the second base 38
at the center of the sloped surface 46. The ledge 19 includes a
magnet 50 that may be inserted or integrated into the ledge 19 and
assist in retaining the nested brackets together. A divot 52 in the
second base 38 allows the magnet 50 to be inserted into the ledge
19 from the opposing side of the ledge 19. The divot 52 is shaped
such that the magnet 50 will not protrude into the second cavity
42. The first bracket 10 nests together with the second bracket 32
as shown and described in FIG. 7.
[0022] Moving on to FIG. 3, an accessory hub 40 is shown. The
accessory hub 40 forms the attachment point for any bathroom
accessory such as a towel bar, towel ring, shelf, tissue holder,
soap tray, tumbler holder, or the like. The accessory hub 40 has a
foundation 68 which abuts the mounting surface, such as a wall. A
mount 64 allows the accessory device, i.e. bar, to attach to the
accessory hub 40 with a fastener. A slot 66 may be used to ensure
proper alignment with the accessory. A selector 54 may also be used
on the accessory hub which allows a user to depress the selector 54
and disengage the second bracket 32 from the first bracket 10 by
manipulating the magnets 30, 50 when the selector 54 is depressed.
The second bracket 32 is designed to be inserted into the
foundation 68 of the accessory hub 40 with the fastener holes 48
within the second base 38.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of the accessory hub 40
outlining the various section views that are described as follows.
Each one of the section views depicts the accessory hub in an
installed orientation, with the first bracket 10 mounted on a
vertical wall and nested with the second bracket 32, which is
attached to the accessory hub 40.
[0024] Section AA is shown in FIG. 5. and reveals the recess 58
within the foundation 68 of the accessory hub 40. The recess 58 is
simply a hollowed-out portion of the accessory hub 40. The recess
58 accommodates the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 32. Due
to the angle of section AA, looking up from below the accessory hub
40, the first bracket 10 is predominantly shown. The first base 26
of the first bracket 10 is secured to the wall 56. The second base
38 of the second bracket 32 is secured to the accessory hub 40
within the recess 58. The sloped surface 34 and sidewalls 36, 44 of
the second bracket 32 is nested within the first cavity 22 (see
FIG. 1) of the first bracket 10. As previously discussed, the mated
sloped surfaces of the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 32
prevent downward motion of the accessory hub 40. As the sidewalls
36, 44 of the second bracket 32 are within the first cavity 22 of
the first bracket 10, the sidewalls 12, 24 prevent side-to-side
motion of the accessory hub 40. Lastly, the mated magnets 30, 50
restrict upward motion of the accessory hub 40. The accessory hub
40 is therefore secured in place against the wall 56.
[0025] Should removal of the accessory hub 40 from the wall 56 be
desired, a vertical force on the accessory hub 40 may be applied.
The vertical force should be substantial enough to overcome the
magnetic attraction of the magnets 30, 50. Alternatively, the
selector 54 (see FIG. 3) may be depressed which urges a separation
of the magnets 30, 50. The accessory hub 40 may therefore be easily
removed from the wall 56 without the use of tools and without the
manipulation of small fasteners such as set screws. Since the
applied force to remove the accessory hub 40 from the wall 56 is in
the vertical direction, the weight of an object such as a towel
bar, towel, soap dish, soap, or the like on the accessory hub 40
will only further secure the accessory hub 40 in place, securely
attached to the wall 56.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows another section view of section CC. The first
bracket 10 is secured against the wall 56. the "down" arrow 70
indicates the downward direction on the wall, as also shown in FIG.
4. The first bracket 10 forms an acute angle 62 between the sloped
surface 20 and the first base 26. The acute angle 62 is also formed
between the sloped surface 20 and the wall 56. The second bracket
32 similarly includes an acute angle 60 formed between the second
base 38 and the sloped surface 46 thereby defining the second
cavity 42. Both acute angles 60, 62 are formed with similar angles
to allow the sloped surfaces 20, 46 to contact one another and
place the first base 26 parallel to the second base 38. This
provides a secure mount for the accessory hub 40 thereby preventing
any forces in the down 70 direction from dislodging or removing the
accessory hub 40 from the wall 56. As the first bracket 10 and
second bracket 32 are placed within the recess 58 of the accessory
hub 40, the mounting hardware is fully concealed from sight. The
foundation 68 forms a barrier around the entire cavity 58 and is
held in place flush against the wall 56.
[0027] It is noted that the magnets 30, 50 as shown in FIG. 2 are
not pictured in FIG. 6 due to the location of section line CC. Also
not shown in the mechanism whereby the selector 54 would separate
the first bracket 10 from the second bracket 32.
[0028] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present disclosure and various
changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *